Agritourism Ontario presents the inaugural Legacy Award to John and Ruth Downey

July 31, 2025 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

At the Agritourism Ontario annual summer barbecue, John and Ruth Downey were presented with the first-ever Legacy Award.

Agritourism Ontario is a not-for-profit, educational, and promotional organization founded in 1973.

Its general membership is made up of dedicated Ontario farmers with a keen interest in promoting the direct farm sales industry, which includes on-farm markets and pick-your-own operations, and encouraging improvements and maintaining integrity in the industry, according to their website.

The Legacy Award honours those whose vision, resilience, and pioneering spirit have left a lasting impact on agritourism in Ontario.

Recipients are those who have shaped the future of the industry through leadership, innovation, and heart, “True legends”.

The Downeys were recognized in this award for their years of hard work shaping the agritourism landscape in Ontario.

Downey’s Farm is a 100-acre farm that has been owned and operated by the Downey family since 1920.

It is a 4th-generation farm and a 2nd-generation farm for agri-tourism.

The farm continues to be privately owned and operated by John and Ruth’s youngest daughter, Darlene, and her husband, Nathan, here in Caledon.

Darlene Downey shared that growing up on the farm, she saw firsthand the level of commitment her parents brought to Downey’s.

“From early mornings in the fields to busy weekends welcoming families, they were fully invested in every part of the operation. They created a place where people could enjoy the farm and learn about agriculture. Their work ethic, adaptability, and focus on the customer experience are what built Downey’s into what it is today,” she says.

She said her parents always recognized there was potential to do more with the farm than just traditional agriculture.

In the 1990s, John and Ruth Downey pushed through several regulatory and industry barriers to convert their old dairy barn into a farm market.

Darlene shared that this was uncommon at the time, and their efforts laid the groundwork for what many farms can do today with far fewer obstacles, both in Caledon and Ontario.

The farm market offers fresh Ontario fruits and vegetables, homemade preserves, honey, maple syrup, and in-house bakery items.

As an Agritourism Ontario Board Chair, she shared that she is proud to see Agritourism Ontario recognize the people who have played a key role in building this industry.

As their daughter, she said it’s as equally meaningful.

“It’s rewarding to see my parents be acknowledged as the first recipients of this award through their hard work and long-standing commitment. They’ve contributed a lot to both the local community and the broader agritourism sector, and this recognition is well-deserved.”

Downey’s Farm is open daily, and visitors can enjoy the farm store, wagon rides, a Farmyard Play area, and more farm-filled fun.